SA and Chinese delegations during a courtesy call at the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory. (Image source: DSTI)
The Deputy Ministers of Science, Technology and Innovation of South Africa and China have ratified their countries' bilateral agreements in science and technology.
The collaborative partnership between the two delegates – Dr Nomlungelo Gina and Chen Jiachang follows the recent ninth South Africa-China. bi-National Commission.
Jina hosted China's Vice Minister of Science and Technology during a courtesy visit to South Africa radio Astronomy Observatory.
According to the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Science and Technology Agreement, which dates back to 1999, has resulted in the implementation of more than 150 joint research and development projects.
As a result, the two Deputy Ministers reiterated their commitment to enhance exchanges between the two countries in science, technology and innovation, including open science. artificial intelligence (AI).
See also
“South Africa and China are continuing to build a strong and visionary partnership in science, technology and innovation (STI) that delivers real benefits to our people and institutions,” says Gina.
“As we prepare to conclude new agreements on space science and STI cooperation and relaunch initiatives such as the Young Scientist Exchange Programme, we reaffirm our shared commitment to innovation-led development, skills exchange and global cooperation on emerging technologies for a sustainable future.”
The countries' growing cooperation in astronomy was also a focal point, emphasizing the importance of expanding opportunities for researchers in both countries.
Chinese Vice-Minister Jiachang reaffirmed his country's commitment to cooperation, saying that the friendship between SA and China has stood the test of time, noting that these countries are vital and important members of the global and developing world.
“We are thus proposing to use AI as a tool to explore the potential of scientific discovery – this is where we can collaborate,” Jiachang says.
The countries also plan to enter into new formal instruments this year to enhance cooperation in science and technology, including space science.
The DSTI reveals that there are also plans to sign two new instruments: the Agreement on Space Science and the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, and a Memorandum of Understanding on Science, Technology and Innovation.